Tuesday, 17 August 2010
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The Audacity of Fijian Dictator Frank Bainimarama
Fiji engages in Chinese whispers
16 August 2010
Northern Advocate
English
Copyright 2010 APN New Zealand Ltd - Regionals. All Rights Reserved
One can't help but marvel at the breathtaking audacity of Fijian dictator Frank Bainimarama. Speaking like a leader with all the options in the world, Commodore Bainimarama this week threatened to ditch traditional ties with Australia and New Zealand in favour of an alliance with China. ``Let's maintain the trade (with the two countries) but forget about the politics,'' he said, while praising China as a visionary state able and willing to assist Fiji with its infrastructure, water and electricity needs.
Push me too hard and I'll welcome the region's authoritarian superpower with open arms, was the implicit message. The other implication was of China waiting patiently in the wings, happy to play the white knight on cue.
Commodore Bainimarama's threat to seek Chinese patronage also gains potency when viewed against the cracks in the Pacific alliance opposing him. While the decision to suspend Fiji from the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum was supported unanimously, Commodore Bainimarama managed to hold a rival regional meeting in Suva last month.
Fiji's military leader appears keen to exploit the ever-present tension between Australia and its neighbours.
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